Female Arab Soldiers: Zoabi Should Go to Gaza

Two Arab Christian female soldiers say that MK Hanin Zoabi, who objects to Arabs joining the army, does not speak for them.

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Elad Benari, 12/07/13 03:14

MK Hanin Zoabi

Flash 90

Two Arab Christian female Israelis who enlisted in the army this week have criticized MK Hanin Zoabi for her strong opposition to having Arabs join the IDF.

The two told Channel 10 News that MK Zoabi, who has in the past told Arutz Sheva that Israel should “prepare the prisons” if a law requiring Arab Israelis to enlist in the army is passed, does not represent them nor, in fact, does she represent many other Israeli Arabs who want to serve in the army.

"There was some opposition in the village to my enlisting, but I know very well what is good for me to do," one of the newly conscripted soldiers, Naradin Tuma of Jish near Tzfat (Safed), told Channel 10.

"As Israeli Christians who speak Arabic we have the right to serve the country with pride and not be ashamed," added Rajda Jarisi of Nazareth.

Jarisi had a clear message to convey to Zoabi, who has not only objected to Arabs joining the army but was also on the Mavi Marmaraship when IHH terrorists attacked IDF soldiers who boarded it during the 2010 flotilla.

"Any extremist in Israel who thinks he is Palestinian does not have to stay here as far as I’m concerned. He’s a zero," said Jarisi. "People like Zoabi should go to Gaza, where they will be welcomed with open arms."

Jarisi criticized Zoabi over her objection to Arab Christians enlisting in the IDF, saying, "Who gives her the right to speak in our name? Who gave her permission? She’s an Arab, I'm not an Arab. I am an Israeli. If she wants, I'll send her a draft notice.”